Emergencies Flashcards
What do you do if a patient lacks capacity and you cannot determine their wishes in an emergency?
You treat them without their consent, on the condition that the treatment is limited to what is immediately necessary to save their life or prevent a serious deterioration of their condition.
The treatment must be the least restrictive of the patient’s future choices.
If the patient regains capacity, you should explain what was done.
For any other treatment beyond the strict minimum, you should seek consent from the patient.
How do you deal with emergencies outside the clinical setting?
Under UK law, there is no obligation for anyone to assist another human who needs resuscitation or emergency assistances, unless that person has caused the problem in the first place.
However, the GMC requires you to get involved. If you do not, you won’t be sued, but you would be in breach of the GMC’s duties of a doctor and may be reported to the GMC if this is discovered.
